Among these two carry-ons with USB ports, I give the French Connection St. Martin the edge for flexible packing and its unusually useful rear holder, while the Cllson 20-Inch is the better fit for travelers who want quick access to a laptop up to 16 inches. Both offer expandable hard-shell storage, USB and USB-C charging access, and a cup holder, but neither includes the power bank needed to use the ports. The key decision is whether you value the St. Martin’s eight-wheel setup and multi-purpose holder or the Cllson’s dedicated front laptop compartment and TSA lock.
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I ranked these options by how their specific design choices serve common carry-on needs, not by treating a charging port as a complete travel solution. Both require a separately supplied power bank, and neither is water resistant, so I would choose based on access, organization, and handling first. Their listed dimensions also deserve a check against your airline’s carry-on limits before you travel.
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Key Takeaways
- The French Connection St. Martin is my overall pick for expandable packing and its rear combination of cup holder, phone holder, hanger, USB, and USB-C ports.
- The Cllson is the stronger choice for laptop access, with a front compartment designed to fit laptops up to 16 inches.
- Neither suitcase includes a power bank; the USB ports provide access to separately supplied power, not built-in battery capacity.
- Both models expand, but expansion can affect how easily a full case fits within an airline’s cabin-size limits.
- The St. Martin lists eight spinner wheels, while the Cllson lists four; neither option is described as water resistant.
| French Connection St. Martin Expandable Carry-On Luggage with Cup Holder and USB Ports, Blue Depths |  | Best Overall — flexible packing with the most versatile rear holder | Dimensions: 15.4 × 9 × 22 inches | Weight: 3.63 kg | Material: ABS hard shell | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cllson 20-Inch Expandable Hard Shell Carry-On Suitcase with Front Pocket |  | Best for Laptop Access — a front compartment for work on the move | Size and dimensions: 20 inches; 22 × 14 × 9.8 inches | Weight: 3.6 kg | Material: Polycarbonate hard shell | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| carryon luggage with usb port | Weight | Material | Wheels | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Connection St. Martin E | 3.63 kg | ABS hard shell | Eight spinner wheels | Expandable |
| Cllson 20-Inch Expandable Hard | 3.6 kg | Polycarbonate hard shell | Four spinner wheels | Expandable |
More Details on Our Top Picks
French Connection St. Martin Expandable Carry-On Luggage with Cup Holder and USB Ports, Blue Depths
The St. Martin takes my overall spot because it combines expandable packing space with the lineup’s broader built-in holder arrangement. Its rear 4-in-1 feature includes a cup holder, phone holder, hanger, and USB and USB-C ports. That gives travelers several ways to keep small conveniences close at hand, while charging still depends on a power bank that is not included. Compared with the Cllson, this design places more emphasis on utility around the suitcase rather than a dedicated laptop-access compartment.
Its eight spinner wheels are a notable distinction from the Cllson’s four listed spinner wheels. The wheel count alone cannot establish how either case will perform on rough floors, but the St. Martin’s stated setup gives buyers who prioritize multidirectional movement a reason to choose it. Top and side handles also provide two lifting points, while the combination lock offers a different lock type from the Cllson’s TSA lock.
The tradeoff is that the St. Martin does not list a front laptop compartment, so a traveler who regularly needs to retrieve a computer may prefer the Cllson’s more direct access. Its ABS hard shell is another point of distinction from the Cllson’s polycarbonate shell, but the supplied information does not support a claim that one material is more durable. At 15.4 × 9 × 22 inches, this case should be checked against the carrier’s rules, especially when expanded. It is not water resistant, and the included USB and USB-C ports do not replace a battery or cable.
Pros:- Expandable interior offers added packing flexibility.
- Rear 4-in-1 holder combines a cup holder, phone holder, hanger, and charging ports.
- Eight spinner wheels and top and side handles support varied movement and lifting needs.
- Includes both USB and USB-C ports for access to a separately supplied power bank.
Cons:- Power bank is not included, so charging requires separate equipment.
- Not water resistant.
- No front laptop compartment is specified, unlike the Cllson.
Best for: Travelers who want expandable carry-on storage, multiple rear-holder functions, and USB plus USB-C access without needing a dedicated laptop compartment.
Not ideal for: Frequent laptop users who want a specified front-access computer pocket, or travelers who need a water-resistant case or an included power bank.
- Dimensions:15.4 × 9 × 22 inches
- Weight:3.63 kg
- Material:ABS hard shell
- Wheels:Eight spinner wheels
- Expansion:Expandable
- Charging ports:USB and USB-C; power bank not included
- Lock:Combination lock
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“I recommend the St. Martin as the more versatile all-around pick for travelers who value expandable packing and multiple holder functions more than quick laptop access.”
Cllson 20-Inch Expandable Hard Shell Carry-On Suitcase with Front Pocket
The Cllson’s strongest reason to make this list is its front laptop compartment, which is specified for laptops up to 16 inches. For a traveler who often needs a computer at a checkpoint, gate, or work stop, access without opening the main compartment can be more useful than the St. Martin’s larger collection of rear-holder functions. It also has a cup holder, phone holder, side hooks, and USB and Type-C ports, although the power bank and charging cable are not included.
Its expandable polycarbonate shell gives it a different materials profile from the St. Martin’s ABS shell, but the provided details do not establish a durability winner. The Cllson lists four spinner wheels, compared with eight on the St. Martin, and weighs 3.6 kg, nearly the same as the St. Martin’s listed 3.63 kg. Buyers choosing between them should focus on the work-friendly pocket and lock type rather than assuming the small weight difference will change their trip.
The included TSA lock is a clear differentiator from the St. Martin’s combination lock, but the Cllson is not the better choice for everyone. Its appeal depends on whether the front pocket suits your packing style; it does not replace the St. Martin’s hanger feature or its eight-wheel configuration. The listed dimensions are 22 × 14 × 9.8 inches, and expanding the case may affect cabin fit. Like its competitor, it is not water resistant, and its charging ports remain dependent on separately supplied accessories.
Pros:- Front compartment is specified to fit laptops up to 16 inches for quicker access.
- Expandable polycarbonate hard shell adds packing flexibility.
- Includes a TSA lock, cup holder, phone holder, and side hooks.
- USB and Type-C ports provide access to a separately supplied power bank.
Cons:- Power bank and charging cable are not included.
- Not water resistant.
- Lists four spinner wheels, compared with the St. Martin’s eight.
Best for: Work travelers and frequent laptop carriers who want access to a computer up to 16 inches without opening the main suitcase.
Not ideal for: Travelers who prefer the St. Martin’s eight-wheel setup and hanger feature, or anyone seeking a water-resistant case with an included battery and cable.
- Size and dimensions:20 inches; 22 × 14 × 9.8 inches
- Weight:3.6 kg
- Material:Polycarbonate hard shell
- Laptop compartment:Front pocket fits laptops up to 16 inches
- Wheels:Four spinner wheels
- Expansion:Expandable
- Charging ports:USB and Type-C; power bank and cable not included
- Lock:TSA lock
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“I would choose the Cllson over the St. Martin when laptop access and a TSA lock matter more than a hanger and the St. Martin’s eight-wheel configuration.”
How We Picked
I compared the two suitcases around the practical promise behind carry-on luggage with USB ports: charging access while traveling, without overlooking the suitcase itself. A port is useful only when a traveler has a compatible power bank and can reach it conveniently, so I treated the missing battery in both models as a meaningful limitation rather than a minor detail.
My ranking also weighs how each case handles the everyday jobs of a carry-on. I looked at packing flexibility, access to travel essentials, maneuverability, organization, and stated dimensions. The St. Martin ranks first because its expandable layout and rear 4-in-1 holder serve a wider mix of travel routines. The Cllson earns a distinct second-place role because its front laptop compartment offers a clearer advantage for travelers who need to reach a computer without opening the main case.
I have relied only on the supplied product details. They do not establish airline approval, impact resistance, or real-world charging performance, so I do not make claims about those points. I also call out that both cases are listed as not water resistant and that their charging accessories are incomplete without a separately supplied power bank. A buyer should check current airline size rules and confirm their preferred battery setup before departure.
| carryon luggage with usb port | Material | Wheels | Charging ports | Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Connection St. Martin E | ABS hard shell | Eight spinner wheels | USB and USB-C; power bank not included | Combination lock |
| Cllson 20-Inch Expandable Hard | Polycarbonate hard shell | Four spinner wheels | USB and Type-C; power bank and cable not included | TSA lock |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Carryon Luggage With Usb Ports
I would make the choice by matching the suitcase’s organization and charging setup to the way you travel. A USB port is one convenience in a larger carry-on decision; it does not tell you whether your laptop is easy to reach, whether expansion will fit your airline’s rules, or whether you have the battery needed to charge.Treat the USB ports as access, not a built-in battery
Both models list USB and USB-C charging ports, but neither includes a power bank. The Cllson also excludes its charging cable. In practical terms, the ports offer a way to connect a separately supplied power source; they do not mean the suitcase can charge a phone on its own. Before buying, check what power bank and cable you plan to use, how the battery connects to the case, and whether that setup suits your travel routine. If you want a ready-to-use charging solution in one purchase, neither listed package supplies everything.
Choose a layout around what you need to reach
The Cllson is the more work-oriented choice because its front compartment fits laptops up to 16 inches. That can reduce the need to open the main packing area when you need a computer, though fit depends on your device’s actual dimensions and any protective sleeve. The St. Martin instead focuses on its rear holder, which combines a cup holder, phone holder, hanger, and charging ports. I would favor that arrangement for travelers who want multiple small conveniences attached to the case, and choose the Cllson when quick computer access is the priority.
Account for expansion and airline dimensions
Both carry-ons are expandable, which can help when you need extra packing room on the return trip. That flexibility has a boundary: a fuller, expanded suitcase may exceed a carrier’s cabin allowance. The St. Martin lists dimensions of 15.4 × 9 × 22 inches; the Cllson lists 22 × 14 × 9.8 inches. Check the specific airline’s rules and how it measures luggage before travel, and leave room for any expansion if you intend to take the case into the cabin. The word “carry-on” alone does not confirm acceptance on every airline.
Compare movement and handling features carefully
The St. Martin lists eight spinner wheels, while the Cllson lists four. That makes wheel configuration a useful point of comparison, but the provided specifications do not establish which case rolls more smoothly or lasts longer. The St. Martin also lists top and side handles, while the Cllson specifies a telescopic extendable handle. Consider how often you lift a bag into an overhead bin, move it through busy spaces, or pull it by the handle. The listed weights are close—3.63 kg and 3.6 kg—so the feature mix matters more than that small difference on paper.
Factor in weather exposure and locks
Neither suitcase is listed as water resistant, so I would not treat either as protection for electronics in wet conditions. A separate device sleeve or protective pouch may be useful if your travel plans include rain or damp handling. The lock choice differs: the St. Martin uses a combination lock, while the Cllson lists a TSA lock. Pick the type that matches your preference and travel needs; neither feature changes the fact that each bag has its own specific layout tradeoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do either of these carry-ons include a power bank?
No. The French Connection St. Martin does not include a power bank, and the Cllson does not include a power bank or charging cable. Their USB and USB-C ports provide a connection point for separately supplied charging equipment. I would check your battery and cable setup before relying on either suitcase to charge a device while traveling.
Which suitcase is better for carrying a laptop?
The Cllson is the clearer choice for a laptop because it has a front compartment specified to fit laptops up to 16 inches. The St. Martin does not list a dedicated laptop compartment; its rear holder instead combines a cup holder, phone holder, hanger, and charging ports. Check your laptop’s full measurements, including its case, against the Cllson pocket before choosing.
Can I use the expandable section and still take either case as a carry-on?
That depends on the airline’s cabin baggage rules and the suitcase’s expanded dimensions. The listed measurements are 15.4 × 9 × 22 inches for the St. Martin and 22 × 14 × 9.8 inches for the Cllson, but expansion may increase the space the bag occupies. I recommend checking the carrier’s current size limits and allowing for the expanded case rather than assuming every airline will accept it.
Which model offers more holder features?
The St. Martin has the more varied specified rear holder: it combines a cup holder, phone holder, hanger, USB port, and USB-C port. The Cllson also includes a cup holder and phone holder, plus side hooks and charging ports, but its distinguishing feature is the front laptop compartment. The better choice depends on whether you value several attached conveniences or quick computer access.
Are either of these suitcases water resistant?
No. Both product specifications state that the suitcase is not water resistant. I would keep electronics and anything vulnerable to moisture in a separate protective pouch, especially because both designs include charging access and are intended to carry personal items. Neither listing provides a basis for treating the hard shell as weather protection.
Conclusion
I would choose the French Connection St. Martin if my priority were expandable packing, eight spinner wheels, and the broader rear holder with a hanger, phone holder, cup holder, and USB and USB-C ports. For a traveler who carries a laptop and wants to reach it without opening the main compartment, the Cllson is the more purposeful match, with a front pocket specified for laptops up to 16 inches and a TSA lock. Either way, plan to supply the power bank yourself, check airline size limits before using the expansion, and protect belongings from wet conditions. My overall recommendation is the St. Martin for versatility; I would pick the Cllson when laptop access is the deciding factor.
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